Gov. Patrick embraces legislators' casino proposal for Mass.

Legislative leaders have finally proposed an expanded gambling bill that Gov. Deval Patrick will embrace, making it more likely than any other time in recent history that casinos will be allowed in Massachusetts.

By Patriot Ledger staff and news services

The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, MA

By Patriot Ledger staff and news services

Posted Aug. 24, 2011 at 12:01 AM
Updated Aug 24, 2011 at 9:19 AM

By Patriot Ledger staff and news services

Posted Aug. 24, 2011 at 12:01 AM
Updated Aug 24, 2011 at 9:19 AM

BOSTON

» Social News

Legislative leaders have finally proposed an expanded gambling bill that Gov. Deval Patrick will embrace, making it more likely than any other time in recent history that casinos will be allowed in Massachusetts.

The bill that became public on Tuesday calls for three resort casinos, just like a casino bill that was proposed last year. In fact, much of the bill resembled last year’s legislation.

But unlike last year, this bill only calls for one slot parlor, where as many as 1,250 slot machines could be installed but no table games would be allowed.

The Legislature’s effort to push two slot parlors caused the issue to sink last year because of Patrick’s opposition. On Tuesday, Patrick embraced this new version, partly because of the competitive bidding for the slot parlor license.

This bill, which will go to floor votes in the House and the Senate as soon as next month, would divide the resort casino licenses among three regions. They are: southeastern Massachusetts, western Massachusetts, and Greater Boston, an area that includes Worcester and Norfolk counties.

George Carney, owner of Raynham Park, has long backed slot parlors at tracks, or “racinos.” But Carney, whose track still features simulcasting but no live races, said he also might go for a full casino license if he is unable to get the racino license. The Plainridge Racecourse track in Plainville also plans to seek the slot parlor license.

The proposed bill gives the state’s two federally-recognized Indian tribes until July 31, 2012, to buy land and negotiate a compact with the state before the casino license for the southeastern Massachusetts region goes up for open bids.

Carney said he has been in talks with the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe about putting forward a casino proposal at Raynham Park with the tribe.

Here’s how the lawmakers’ plan would work:

The winner of the slot parlor license would pay the state at least $25 million for it, and invest $125 million in the development. Forty percent of the gross gaming revenue would go to local aid, while 9 percent would go toward boosting the purses at the state’s two horse tracks.

For each of the three casinos, the state would collect at least an $85 million license fee and require at least $500 million to be invested in the project. Twenty-five percent of that gross gaming revenue would go to the state.

Local voters would have to approve any casino or slot parlor in a local referendum.

Raynham selectman Don McKinnon said town voters and the board of selectmen have long supported slots at Raynham Park, but he didn’t think a full-scale casino would be a popular idea in town.